Jeff Nedley - Baird Private Wealth Management

09/04/2026

Have a Happy and Safe Labor Day Holiday.

08/25/2026

Back-to-school season is bringing higher costs for many families.

A new analysis found that a typical basket of school items, including notebooks, lunch boxes, and index cards, is up nearly 8% compared with last year.

School lunches are also more expensive, with the cost of a typical packed lunch up 11%.

The analysis estimates families may spend roughly $4,000 per student on school supplies and lunches this year, including about $175 on school items and $3,800 on packed lunches.

Some items have seen especially sharp increases. Lunch boxes are up 27%, one-subject notebooks are up 23%, and index cards are up 22%.

Higher tariffs, imported school supplies, food prices, and energy costs are all contributing to the increase.

For families, back-to-school shopping is a reminder that seasonal expenses can add up quickly, especially when everyday costs are already stretching household budgets.


Source:

U.S. households will spend roughly $4,000 per student on school supplies and lunches this year, a new analysis found.

08/24/2026

See what’s ahead for markets and policy in 2026 – and how it could impact you.

08/21/2026

The last time inflation topped 9%, bell-bottoms were king and miles-long gas lines were commonplace. What can the 1970s teach us about inflation today?

08/19/2026

Ross looks at near-term bubble questions, long-term optimism and a big jump in corporate profit expectations.

08/17/2026

In April’s episode, Mike and Ross tackle the challenges of a stormy market, providing an overview of how investors should view the coming months.

Mike and Ross discuss how to navigate market storms while keeping your long-term financial goals in focus.

08/14/2026

Yes, there will be more IRS agents, but the new law also offers new credits for clean energy, targeted reductions in health care costs, and more.

Earlier in August, Democrats passed a reconciliation bill that focuses on four key areas.

08/12/2026

New legislation in Washington means expanded flexibility on which expenses you can and can’t use your 529 funds on. Check out our newly updated list to see what this might mean for you.

529 plans are useful tools for funding an education – but knowing which expenses you can use the funds on is crucial.

08/10/2026

Baird Strategas on key themes for investors to watch in the second half of 2026.

08/07/2026

Mike and Ross unwrap gifts – and insights – from a year of market surprises and lessons learned.